Amir Buys a New Audio Precision Analyzer (APx555)!!!

[Dialectic]

I'm looking at the front and the blank face plates. I'm assuming that depending what you want to do it with it you can add optional modules for additional functions? Given the cost and a narrow market it isn't surprising they want to be able customize to what customers need (and can afford).

Yes, the product page on the AP website shows that there are some other modules available for Bluetooth testing, etc.

I'm very curious what silicon is under the hood of the x555 and how it differs from the silicon under the hood of the 2522. Despite my curiosity, I imagine that a comparative teardown of the two units would not ingratiate @amirm with the kind folks at Audio Precision.

EDIT: Here is a video teardown of the 2522 with audio in French.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Good news. Now you'll learn just how good Schiit products really are. I think you should immediately retest all the Schiit gear first, and update the results.

This totally cracked me up. Honestly.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Thanks. No, it is not wrong at all. I should be able to do more and investigate products better than before.

Bravo!

 

[stunta]

Thomas sounds jealous. Just give him your old unit to fondle

Amir, your dedication to measurements is much appreciated. Thanks for keeping this industry honest.

 

[hvbias]

Good news. Now you'll learn just how good Schiit products really are. I think you should immediately retest all the Schiit gear first, and update the results.

I realize this is tongue in cheek, but maybe the measurements will now align with AtomicBob and Jude's. Sorry I am all for more people measuring things, but I will have to question when one set of measurements does not align with two others.

 

[Sal1950]

Yes, you read it right: I now own a second and the latest state-of-the-art analyzer from Audio Precision, the APx555.

WOW, Congrats! That was a huge investment in the gear. The audiophile community owes you a big debt of gratitude for making this purchase only to further the understanding of todays High Fidelity world.

 

[DuxServit]

Oh yeah baby!

Congrats Amir.

 

[amirm]

I'm looking at the front and the blank face plates. I'm assuming that depending what you want to do it with it you can add optional modules for additional functions? Given the cost and a narrow market it isn't surprising they want to be able customize to what customers need (and can afford).

Yes. There are a number of options that can go there such as HDMI, Bluetooth, digital I/O (For automation), etc. Some of the other things that can go there are already standard in my unit. They use the same enclosure for the lower-end unit where they are placed as options. You can see them populated in the loaner APx525 (on the bottom):

 

[Purité Audio]

Where’s the ‘patron donor’ link, it is time I contributed.

Keith

 

[amirm]

Where’s the ‘patron donor’ link, it is time I contributed.

Keith

Thanks Keith. I put the link in every review:

----
If you like this review, please consider donating funds for these types of hardware purchase using Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/audiosciencereview), or upgrading your membership here though Paypal (https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...eview-and-measurements.2164/page-3#post-59054).

----

 

[Purité Audio]

Done, although it isn’t going to make much of a dent in the cost of the new unit, I just want to add, that I really respect what you are doing, ASR educates, informs and entertains.
Really you should now get some advertising from FOO cable manufacturers!
BW Keith

 

[Dialectic]

I should donate more. Just as long as my donation is allocated to the x555 and not to more purchases of Schiit products...

 

[jan.didden]

Amir, excellent choice! I have to make do with a measly dScope series III ;-) but if I had the money, an AP555 would be mine!
Like your forum, a fresh breeze amidst all the genetically modified cables and krypton-based capacitors. Keep'm coming!

 

[svart-hvitt]

Congrats on your new big boys toys!

For the benefit of all ASR readers!

 

[Fitzcaraldo215]

Amir - man, you really are serious. We greatly admire and respect you for it.

Congratulations on your new baby. We all, and the audio industry, if they are paying any attention, which they really should, will greatly benefit from this.

 

[amirm]

Thanks a bunch. My hope is that the pressure of what we do here will eventually result in a lot more manufacturers performing it themselves in design verification and documentation on their sites. I already see signs of this. Ultimately before I really retire, the industry puts me out of my job!

 

[svart-hvitt]

Thanks a bunch. My hope is that the pressure of what we do here will eventually result in a lot more manufacturers performing it themselves in design verification and documentation on their sites. I already see signs of this. Ultimately before I really retire, the industry puts me out of my job!

Will you take apprentices? Your expensive gear is used tops 20 percent of the time?

 

[c1ferrari]

Congratulations, Amir
I once attended an AP seminar/workshop in Anaheim where Tony Spica was the presenter.
Heck of a nice guy!

 

[svart-hvitt]

@amirm , can your AP tool be used to measure cables (without adding another box)? My point is this: Samsung made a design choice recently to send all TV signals via optical fibres:

https://www.samsung.com/us/televisi...sories/televisions/vg-socm15-za-vg-socm15-za/

My hunch is that optical, say toslink, is ideal for audio because these cables are thin, flexible, delicate to touch and an aesthetic pleasure compared to bulky audio cables. However, in audio circles - on ASR as well? - there is skepticism towards optical. Some believe optical cables need to be short, yet the Samsung cable is 15 meters.

So could you use your AP to measure signal integrity over optical cable? Both without a box at the end and with a box (with great reclocking etc.)?

I believe myths on optical being inferior are to be slayed.

Maybe all ASR members will start using optical for audio?

 

[elberoth]

Congrats! Enjoy your new toy!